Fresh Fruit Tart Recipe: A Sunny Treat for Sweet Lovers

Weekends call for delightful desserts that spark joy and delight with every bite of this fresh fruit tart.

Sweet pastry crusts pair perfectly with silky cream and vibrant seasonal fruits.

The delicate layers create a stunning centerpiece for any gathering.

Crisp buttery pastry provides a golden foundation for luscious cream and colorful fruit arrangements.

Each slice promises a symphony of textures and flavors that dance across your palate.

The elegant dessert feels like a celebration of summer’s bounty.

Prepare to indulge in a dessert that turns simple ingredients into a masterpiece of culinary art.

Tips for Storing Fresh Fruit Tart

• Store the fresh fruit tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The delicate pastry cream and fresh fruits can lose their quality quickly, so consume within this timeframe.
• Keep the tart covered loosely with plastic wrap to maintain its crisp texture. Avoid sealing too tightly, which can make the crust become soft and lose its delightful crunch.
• Add fresh fruit decorations just before serving to keep them looking vibrant and prevent early browning or wilting. Slice fruits right before assembly for the most appealing presentation.
• Remove the tart from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the pastry cream to soften slightly and brings out the rich, creamy flavors at their best.

FAQs

• How do I prevent my pastry cream from becoming lumpy?

Whisk constantly when adding hot milk to egg mixture and strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any potential lumps. Continuous stirring and smooth incorporation are key to achieving a silky texture.

• What type of fruits work best for this tart?

Choose firm, fresh fruits like strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, raspberries, and mandarin oranges. Avoid watery fruits that can make the tart soggy. Select fruits that are ripe but not overly soft.

• Can I make the tart dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the tart dough up to 2 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before rolling to make it easier to work with.

Fresh Fruit Tart Reasons You’ll Crave It

• Craft Impressive Dessert: Elevate your baking skills with this stunning fruit tart that looks like it came straight from a professional bakery.
• Perfect for Special Moments: Ideal for summer gatherings, brunches, or elegant dessert occasions where you want to wow friends and family.
• Customize with Seasonal Flair: Switch up fresh fruits based on what's ripe and available, making this recipe versatile and adaptable throughout the year.
• Beginner-Friendly Challenge: Provides a great opportunity for home bakers to learn classic pastry techniques while creating a delicious showstopper dessert.

Fresh Fruit Tart Ingredient Rundown

Main Ingredients:

• Milk: The rich base that creates the smooth, creamy texture of the filling.
• Egg Yolks: Provide richness and help thicken the pastry cream.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the creamy filling.
• Cornstarch: Ensures the pastry cream has a perfect, stable consistency.
• Vanilla: Gives a warm, classic flavor to the cream.

• Butter: Creates a tender, flaky crust with rich flavor.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with crust browning.
• Egg: Binds the dough and adds richness.
• Flour: Forms the structural base of the tart crust.
• Baking Powder: Helps the crust achieve a light, delicate texture.

• Fresh Fruits: Provide a colorful, fresh topping for the tart.
• Apricot Glaze: Adds shine and helps protect the fruit on the tart surface.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of both cream and crust.

Steps to Prepare a Fresh Fruit Tart

Step 1: Create Creamy Pastry Base

In a saucepan, bring milk to a gentle boil.

In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt until smooth.

Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while continuously whisking.

Transfer the mixture back to the pan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens like pudding.

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Pour into a clean bowl and cover with plastic wrap directly touching the surface to prevent skin formation.

Refrigerate for 2-3 hours until completely chilled.

Step 2: Craft Buttery Tart Shell

Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add egg, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until well combined.

Gradually incorporate flour and baking powder, mixing just until the dough comes together.

Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

Step 3: Prepare Crisp Tart Crust

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Roll out the chilled dough to 1/8 to 1/4 inch thickness.

Carefully transfer to a tart pan, pressing gently into the corners.

Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.

Bake for 12 minutes.

Step 4: Golden Tart Shell Finish

Remove weights and parchment paper.

Return the crust to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown and crisp.

Allow to cool completely at room temperature.

Step 5: Artistic Fruit Tart Assembly

Spread the chilled pastry cream evenly across the cooled tart shell.

• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Kiwi slices
• Mandarin orange segments
• Raspberries

Warm apricot jam and gently brush over the fruits to create a beautiful, glossy finish.

Pro Tips for Fresh Fruit Tart Success

• Refrigerate tart dough for at least 1 hour to prevent shrinking and ensure a flaky, tender crust during baking.
• Heat milk carefully until just bubbling to prevent scorching and create smooth, silky pastry cream.
• Choose ripe, colorful fruits like berries, kiwi, and peaches for vibrant flavor and stunning visual appeal.
• Fully cool the tart shell before adding pastry cream to maintain crisp texture and prevent moisture absorption.
• Warm apricot jam creates a beautiful, glossy finish that protects fruit and adds a subtle sweet coating.

Fresh Fruit Tart Options and Swaps

• Gluten-Free Fruit Tart: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free cornstarch and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Fruit Tart: Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk. Use cornstarch and plant-based butter. Replace egg yolks with silken tofu or aquafaba for creamy pastry cream.
• Low-Sugar Fruit Tart: Swap sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Use Greek yogurt in pastry cream for added protein and reduced sugar content. Choose low-glycemic fruits like berries.
• Tropical Fruit Tart: Replace traditional fruits with mango, passion fruit, and kiwi. Add a coconut milk base to pastry cream for a Caribbean-inspired flavor profile.

Serving Ideas for Fresh Fruit Tart

• Elegant Summer Party Centerpiece: Showcase this beautiful tart as the star dessert at outdoor gatherings, creating a stunning visual display that wows guests with its colorful fruit arrangement.
• Fresh Breakfast Companion: Slice this tart into delicate wedges and serve alongside morning coffee or tea, offering a sophisticated start to your day with its creamy texture and fruity topping.
• Afternoon Tea Delight: Present this tart on a decorative cake stand during afternoon tea, pairing it with light conversation and complementing its delicate pastry cream with herbal or black tea selections.
• Romantic Date Night Dessert: Plate individual slices with a small dollop of whipped cream and mint leaf, creating an intimate dessert experience perfect for sharing with a loved one.

Fresh Fruit Tart Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 57 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Delightful summer fruit tart brings Mediterranean flavors to your dessert table with elegant layers of buttery crust and creamy custard. Sweet seasonal berries and peaches crown this classic French-inspired treat, inviting you to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits:

• 1 pint fresh mixed fruit (berries, peaches, mango, kiwi etc)

Pastry Cream and Filling:

• 2 cups whole milk (473 ml)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
• 6 egg yolks
• 1/4 cup cornstarch (30 g)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 7 tablespoons butter, softened (99 g)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (60 g)

Tart Crust:

• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted (156 g)
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• Apricot jam for glaze

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Instructions

1. Craft the silky pastry cream by bringing milk to a gentle simmer. Whisk egg yolks with sugar, cornstarch, and salt until smooth. Slowly stream hot milk into egg mixture, stirring constantly. Transfer back to saucepan and cook, continuously stirring, until cream thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Incorporate vanilla extract and refrigerate for 2-3 hours until fully chilled.
2. Prepare the tart dough by creaming butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Incorporate egg, vanilla, and salt. Gently fold in flour and baking powder, mixing just until combined. Wrap dough and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm.
3. Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll chilled dough to 1/8-inch thickness and carefully transfer to a tart pan. Line with parchment paper and fill with ceramic weights. Blind bake for 12 minutes to set the structure.
4. Remove weights and parchment. Return crust to oven and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until edges turn golden brown. Allow crust to cool completely at room temperature.
5. Spread chilled pastry cream evenly across the cooled crust. Artfully arrange fresh fruit on top, creating an appealing pattern. Warm apricot preserves and gently brush over fruit for a glossy finish.

Notes

• Customize the pastry cream by infusing the milk with lavender, cinnamon, or orange zest for a unique flavor twist.
• Swap out wheat flour for gluten-free alternatives like almond or rice flour to make the tart crust suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Prevent soggy crust by lightly brushing the bottom with melted white chocolate before adding pastry cream, creating a moisture barrier.
• Choose seasonal fruits for the topping to enhance freshness and ensure the most vibrant and flavorful presentation of your tart.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 27 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 343
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 123 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg